IT'S believed Willie Boy, 3, and Tojo, 2, are with their parents who are on the run after a council probe led to concerns about the brothers' welfare.

TWO children have been missing from their Ayrshire home for more than fortnight, police have said.

Willie Boy O’Neill, three, and his two-year-old brother Tojo were last seen in Irvine on August 3.

It’s believed the boys are with their parents Claire, 32, and Robert O’Neill, 39.

The family went missing after a council investigation led to concerns over the children’s welfare.

Police Scotland have now appealed for information about the boys’ whereabouts.

Willie Boy is described as being of slim build with fair hair, whilst Tojo is stocky with fair hair.

A police spokesman said: “North Ayrshire local authorities attempts to engage with the family prior to them going missing met with negative results which has resulted in concerns being raised in respect of the children’s welfare.

“Since being reported missing to police last week, officers have made considerable efforts, including extensive enquiries in England – where there are family connections - to trace the family.

“However, so far there have been no positive sightings of them, except for the whole family being seen together within the Rivergate Shopping Centre in Irvine at 2.45pm on Sunday, August 3.”

He added: “I would appeal to their parents or to anyone who knows where they are to contact Irvine Police Office via non emergency number 101 or North Ayrshire Council as a matter of urgency.”